Each 'Kembara Stories' edition will include a guided tour through downtown KL (Medan Pasar is seen here) from the vantage point of migrant communities. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
Project Future Malaysia, a not-for-profit arts and culture venture, has received overwhelming response for its pilot initiative "Kembara Stories And Food Trail" in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Guided by migrant communities, this cultural walking tour and immersive food-tasting project is supported by the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Program from Think City.
"Our tour event details were only shared on Facebook and Instagram last week, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The Nepal, Bangladesh, and Filipino tours are fully booked, with only the Indonesian tour (in Bahasa Malaysia) on Sept 16 remaining," says Kevin Bathman, the project coordinator.
"The interest and positive feedback have certainly inspired the team, and we are excited to curate more diverse and captivating experiences. If you missed out, don't worry. We plan to run another series of tours in October and November, and beyond. For updates, you can follow the project on Instagram," he adds.
This inaugural pilot project will celebrate the culinary heritage of four prominent migrant communities in Malaysia – Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Each two-hour event includes an hour-long guided tour through downtown KL (with stops at Jalan Tun Perak, Petaling Street, Central Market, Jalan Pudu, Medan Pasar, and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad) from the vantage point of migrant communities.
The second hour promises a "food tasting" luncheon, allowing participants to savour the essence of each cultural background.
A different view
Migrant communities in Malaysia, often marginalised and deemed as the "other”, are rewriting their narrative. Comprising a significant segment of Malaysia's population, particularly in downtown Kuala Lumpur, their labour serves as the backbone of local businesses.
Referred to as the workforce behind "3D jobs" (dirty, difficult, and dangerous tasks), these communities remain largely unseen, devoid of the chance to share their own stories or truly belong in the land they have called home for years.
“Kembara Stories And Food Trail aims to change that narrative. By embracing migrant cuisines and culture as catalysts for collective unity, diversity, pride, and a sense of belonging, this project is poised to dismantle negative stereotypes associated with these communities. Through this initiative, we also aspire to underscore our shared values and common bonds,” says Bathman.
Adopting a fresh perspective that spotlights migrant communities through their culinary and cultural heritage, Kembara Stories seeks to bridge divides and cultivate awareness of their contributions to Malaysian society. The project also envisions a revitalised downtown Kuala Lumpur - as a dynamic and resilient urban hub.
“Downtown KL holds many memories for me, as I spent a significant time here upon arrival. Through sharing my personal story and anecdotes, I hope to shed light on the realities faced by the migrant community. Beyond appreciating their tenacity and resolve, participants will uncover hidden gems and cultural gems that hold a special place in our hearts,” says Manoj, a Nepali storyteller leading one of the tours.
